She who ever had remained in the depth of my being (Song 66) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

She who ever had remained in the depth of my being (Song 66) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

She who ever had remained in the depth of my being, in the twilight of gleams and of glimpses; she who never opened her veils in the morning light, will be my last gift to thee, my God, folded in my final song.

Words have wooed yet failed to win her; persuasion has stretched to her its eager arms in vain.

I have roamed from country to country keeping her in the core of my heart, and around her have risen and fallen the growth and decay of my life.

Over my thoughts and actions, my slumbers and dreams, she reigned yet dwelled alone and apart.

Many a man knocked at my door and asked for her and turned away in despair.

There was none in the world who ever saw her face to face, and she remained in her loneliness waiting for thy recognition.

She who ever had remained in the depth of my being, in the twilight of gleams and of glimpses; she who never opened her veils in the morning light, will be my last gift to thee, my God, folded in my final song.

 

Summary

The poem is a devotional one, filled with deep gratitude to God for His blessings and the eternal happiness He gives to mankind. In this poem, the poet expresses a desire to offer his pure, innocent soul as a final gift to God, showing his reverence. The poet’s soul is true, free from all evils, and deeply devoted. It's described as a virgin spirit that remains hidden in the depths of his heart, refusing to reveal itself even to the light of day. Her devotion is so strong that no temptation or evil can sway her. She stays pure and loyal, only waiting for her Lord, the Almighty.

Throughout the poet’s life, whether in success or failure, joy or sorrow, his soul remains steadfast, guiding his actions while staying untouched by the world’s corruption. Many have tried to possess the poet’s soul and songs, offering riches in exchange, but the poet never gives in. He keeps his soul and his songs reserved for God alone, a precious offering of love and devotion that remains hidden in his heart, waiting for the day when the divine lover will come to claim her.

 

Critical Analysis

Tagore's Gitanjali is described as "a collection of song offerings" dedicated to the Creator. This profound and intricate piece of art revolves around one main theme—devotion, though it also touches on many other ideas. The central focus is the deep longing of the individual soul to reunite with the Infinite. This intense desire gives *Gitanjali* its power, turning it into "a mighty prayer filled with pleading and exaltation." The work follows the tradition of India's Vaishnava devotional poetry, where the mystic seeks a direct and intuitive connection with the ultimate truth. For the mystic, ultimate bliss comes from uniting with God, a concept similar to Nirvana, which runs through many of Tagore's lyrics.

In this particular lyric, the poet wishes to offer his soul—his inner, poetic self—to God. He understands that only purity, steadfastness, and true devotion are the true "ornaments" of the soul. With these, he hopes to adorn his soul and present it to God as a gift when his time on earth is over. The poet's soul, God's beloved, longs to meet its lover, the Supreme Power, and experience the joy of mystical union.